Mitarai Historic Port Town

御手洗地区

Est. 150FreeKure, Chugoku

Local Pick

Overview

A perfectly preserved Edo-era port town on an island in the Seto Inland Sea, time-capsule lanes and traditional teahouses.

On Osaki-Shimojima Island, Mitarai was a major port of call for daimyo processions and merchant ships. The town retains its Edo-period streetscape, wooden merchant houses, a clock tower, and cobblestone lanes. A handful of teahouses serve traditional sweets. The sleepy atmosphere and lack of tourists make it feel undiscovered.

Local tips

Walk the town at dawn before anyone else is up. The morning light on the wooden buildings and empty lanes is magical.

Practical info

Japanese name: 御手洗地区
Nearest station: Kure Station (JR Kure Line) + bus/ferry
Payment: Cash only

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